08/07/2016
Abernethy, III, Julius (J.J.) W.
(Carolina Glove Co.- Conover, NC)
*Printed in the HICKORY RECORD- July 8th, 2016
Abernethy, III, Julius (J.J.) W.
Julius (J.J.) W. Abernethy, III NEWTON Julius Whitener Abernethy, III, also known as J.J. and "The Living Legend," of Newton, died Tuesday, July 5, 2016, at Catawba Regional Hospice surrounded by his loving family after a valiant, brave and private five year battle with neuro-endocrine cancer. J.J. was born Aug. 29, 1947, in Catawba County, to Christine Sigmon Abernethy and the late Julius Whitener Abernethy, Jr. He was also preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Robert and Rosa Sigmon and paternal grandparents, Julius Whitener Abernethy, Sr. and Frances Catherine Schrum Abernethy. J.J. was a 1965 graduate of Staunton Military Academy and a 1971 Gardner-Webb University graduate. He served in the North Carolina National Guard for six years. He never met a stranger and most identified with "quirky" individuals. He loved life and especially loved his devoted wife, Terry, and their children and grandchildren. He had a heart of gold, was humble, unselfish, generous and giving. His infectious laugh and sense of humor was most exemplified as a twenty-three year coach and sponsor of the Newton Flames AAU Junior Olympics Basketball Teams. The "Living Legend" coach helped many of his players obtain college scholarships. He also sponsored hundreds of local boys' attendance at the Elks Boys Camp in Hendersonville. He was an amateur wrestling fan and cheered shamelessly donning his "Perfection" hat, boa and cane. J.J. was co-owner and retired Vice-President and Sales Manager of Carolina Glove Company. He was on the Board of Directors of Carolina Mills and Alexander Railroad. He was a past president of the Gardner-Webb University Bulldog Club, past Gardner-Webb University Trustee, past president of the Consistory of Grace Reformed United Church of Christ and a member of NCSU Wolf Pack Club. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife of forty-six years, Terry Carter Abernethy; his daughter, Catherine Abernethy; and grandson, Carter; his daughter, Kristen Abernethy Morgan and husband, Brian and grandchildren, Garrett and Rachel; his son, Julius Whitener Abernethy, IV and wife, Jessica; his daughter, Staci Warner and husband, Mitch; his brother Robert C. Abernethy and wife, Lisa and his brother, Jimmy Abernethy and wife, Gina. He is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. A service to celebrate J.J.'s life will be held Saturday, July 9,at Grace Reformed United Church of Christ in Newton. The family will receive friends from 1:15 to 2:45 p.m., in the church Chapel with the funeral following at 3 p.m. The Revs. Ran Brakemeyer, Fred Thompson and Tim Wepner will officiate. Burial will follow at Hopewell United Methodist Church Cemetery in Sherrills Ford. Pall Bearers will be Danny Caldwell, Ben Huss, Victor Long, Donald Mongro, Adam Moser, and Todd Wimberly. In honor of J.J.'s life, the family would appreciate memorials being made to the J.W. and Terry Carter Abernethy, III Women's Basketball Scholarship Fund at Gardner-Webb University, PO Box 897, Boiling Springs, NC 28017. Condolences may be sent to the Abernethy family at www.bennettfuneralservice.com. The Abernethy family is in the care of Bennett Funeral Service of Conover, 828-465-2111.
